Fresh homemade pasta. Lovely atmosphere and excellent service 😍
Joe V
OC is blessed with some of the best Italian restaurants in California, and this place stands out as one of the strongest examples of modern, innovative Italian cuisine in the area.
This is not a red-sauce, old-school Italian spot. If you’re looking for oversized portions and classic comfort dishes, this probably isn’t your place. If you enjoy Italian flavors reimagined with modern techniques and presentation, you’ll feel right at home.
Several dishes highlight that approach. Instead of traditional risotto, fragola is used as a base in some plates, offering a lighter but still rich alternative. The bison short rib appetizer delivers deep, slow-cooked flavor and is a great way to start the meal. One standout dish paired cacio e pepe ravioli served directly atop a filet, allowing the cheese sauce to melt and drip down onto the steak—indulgent, creative, and surprisingly balanced. Even elements like parmesan foam feel intentional rather than gimmicky.
This is an excellent choice for a date night, special occasion, or dinner with people who appreciate elevated takes on familiar dishes.
If you enjoy Italian cuisine but want to experience it pushed forward in thoughtful, delicious ways, this spot is an easy recommendation.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mindy Le
My First Visit Was On February 8, 2026. Was Greeted From Beginning To End! Server Alberto Was Very Knowledgeable About The Menu & Attentive!!
Pasta & Everything Was Made Fresh!! Was Offered Fresh Cannoli's For The Birthday Month!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Jim Pawell
Wow, what an experience! From the moment we sat down at the bar and saw how beautiful it was, our evening was a perfect one. Our bartender Mark let us sample a couple wines before making our selection, gave us some helpful dining recommendations, and regularly checked in on us. Manager Antonio also checked in and told us how the restaurant came to be.
But what really put the evening over the top was the food. Beautifully styled, timely delivered, and oh so tasty. You have to order the Duck Pappardella, which was amazing. Definitely go; this place is a hidden gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Taylor Smith
We had an absolutely amazing dinner at Il Girasole! The owner/chef is incredible and all the dishes really blew us away. The appetizers were delicious, the pastas were incredible, and the steak we ordered was divine! All desserts were delicious as well. I can’t wait to come back! Great wine & great prices too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jocelyn C.
This is a really great restaurant. I highly recommend you getting reservations first though. We went on the weekend when it first opened. The food is really delicious. I really enjoyed the ambiance. Service was very attentive. I appreciate this dining experience. Will go there again to try other items on the menu. A++++++!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kim Graeber
So glad we finally made it down to so co to try this restaurant. I enjoyed everything we ordered, you can tell that a lot of thought went into each dish. The staff was amazing and attentive and the space is lively but I found our table welcoming and intimate. I’m so excited to have a modern Italian restaurant of this caliber in Orange County and can’t wait to go back for the other menus. Keep in mind that this is not tomato and meatball Italian fare, it’s inventive and refined. They definitely know their way around meat, the elk and duck that I ordered was so tender and cooked to perfection.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sergio Murer
The stuffed gnocchi are amazing. I had lunch there with my family on Saturday. The atmosphere is playful yet classic, and so close to a wide range of small local shops spanning from gourmet food items to custom furniture.
The lemon cookies after dinner were perfect, light, sweet, and just a touch of tang.
The Italian owner Antonio is charming. We enjoyed hearing about his Michelin starred chef friends in Italy, and we loved talking about his home town, one of our favorites in Italy.
We look forward to returning for a dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexis Kwok
I would give this place 3.5/5 stars but I rounded up because they were accommodating with our reservation request.
We went during Friday evening and the place was packed already so make sure you make a reservation in advance. Though they do have bartop for walk ins and also a large outdoor covered and heated patio for those with dogs. Of note, they do serve complimentary amuse bouche in the beginning as well as lemon cookies for dessert.
For starters we ordered the winter salad and arancini. The salad was nice and refreshing and all the ingredients worked well together. We ordered the arancini because everyone raved about it in the reviews but honestly it was nothing special. The zesty sauce it comes with made it better but I wouldn't order it again. The complimentary amuse bouche they serve is something very similar to the arancini anyways.
For mains, we ordered the radiatori and lasagna. We had wanted to order the lobster risotto but they were out of lobster, though it took the server a while to let us know this before we swapped over to the lasagna. The radiatori was delicious and the homemade pasta was al dente. The lasagna fell short and was quite heavy, with a very strong meat flavor which my husband thought was a bit gamey.
For desserts, they do give you complimentary lemon cookies which were nice and light. But we also ordered the pavlova and flourless chocolate cake. The pavlova was definitely a highlight of the meal as it's sweetness profile was nicely balanced with the tartness of the berries. The flourless chocolate cake was almost like chocolate mouse and quite heavy so I wouldn't suggest it unless you're a huge chocolate lover.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Amanda Monnier
It was our first time at Il Girasole today. Everyone was super friendly, excellent service. The food was incredible. Definitely will be back. Thank you!
Had the beef filet and the duck for entrees. The filet was missing some seasoning like salt however it was cooked perfectly. The ravioli on top was delicious. The duck was cooked well however the flavors are so overpowering and didn't compliment each other. Would not recommend. Desert was a chef's kiss. Not sure what the name was but it was divine. I would come back for dessert and wine anytime.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Minnie Vu
We had the best experience at Il Girasole today. Both their brunch & lunch/dinner have amazing options. The Duck Pappardella was a work of art and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to return again and again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lily Z
Came to Il Girasole (Costa Mesa) for my birthday after my dad heard buzz about the chef’s Michelin-style training. We called ahead for a reservation and I mentioned it was my birthday. During that call, the truffle tasting menu was discussed and we were told the menu was online. I’ll take responsibility for misreading one detail online (I initially thought the tasting menu was $95 instead of $195). However, what ultimately shocked us was learning (only when the check arrived) that the truffle tasting menu was actually $295 per person, bringing our total to about $650 for two. Price alone is not the issue. I would happily spend far more for an exceptional experience.
Unfortunately, out of the 7–8 courses served, less than half were above par. Several dishes were simply average and not reflective of a premium tasting menu.
Service also didn’t match the price point. It felt inattentive and lacked polish, and overall we didn’t feel well taken care of.
Lastly, despite mentioning it was my birthday when reserving, there was no acknowledgment at all—no candle, no note, nothing.
For a restaurant charging this level of pricing, the food, service, and overall experience should feel special. This did not.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Cynthia
Great place to dine! They treated us to a complimentary appetizer and dessert, and our older gentleman server was truly amazing and friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Bivens
Il Girasole was brilliant. Friendly service, fantastic wine list, and everything we ate was delicious. We will be back.
Fresh homemade pasta. Lovely atmosphere and excellent service 😍
OC is blessed with some of the best Italian restaurants in California, and this place stands out as one of the strongest examples of modern, innovative Italian cuisine in the area.
This is not a red-sauce, old-school Italian spot. If you’re looking for oversized portions and classic comfort dishes, this probably isn’t your place. If you enjoy Italian flavors reimagined with modern techniques and presentation, you’ll feel right at home.
Several dishes highlight that approach. Instead of traditional risotto, fragola is used as a base in some plates, offering a lighter but still rich alternative. The bison short rib appetizer delivers deep, slow-cooked flavor and is a great way to start the meal. One standout dish paired cacio e pepe ravioli served directly atop a filet, allowing the cheese sauce to melt and drip down onto the steak—indulgent, creative, and surprisingly balanced. Even elements like parmesan foam feel intentional rather than gimmicky.
This is an excellent choice for a date night, special occasion, or dinner with people who appreciate elevated takes on familiar dishes.
If you enjoy Italian cuisine but want to experience it pushed forward in thoughtful, delicious ways, this spot is an easy recommendation.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
My First Visit Was On February 8, 2026. Was Greeted From Beginning To End! Server Alberto Was Very Knowledgeable About The Menu & Attentive!!
Pasta & Everything Was Made Fresh!! Was Offered Fresh Cannoli's For The Birthday Month!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Wow, what an experience! From the moment we sat down at the bar and saw how beautiful it was, our evening was a perfect one. Our bartender Mark let us sample a couple wines before making our selection, gave us some helpful dining recommendations, and regularly checked in on us. Manager Antonio also checked in and told us how the restaurant came to be.
But what really put the evening over the top was the food. Beautifully styled, timely delivered, and oh so tasty. You have to order the Duck Pappardella, which was amazing. Definitely go; this place is a hidden gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had an absolutely amazing dinner at Il Girasole! The owner/chef is incredible and all the dishes really blew us away. The appetizers were delicious, the pastas were incredible, and the steak we ordered was divine! All desserts were delicious as well. I can’t wait to come back! Great wine & great prices too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a really great restaurant. I highly recommend you getting reservations first though. We went on the weekend when it first opened. The food is really delicious. I really enjoyed the ambiance. Service was very attentive. I appreciate this dining experience. Will go there again to try other items on the menu. A++++++!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So glad we finally made it down to so co to try this restaurant. I enjoyed everything we ordered, you can tell that a lot of thought went into each dish. The staff was amazing and attentive and the space is lively but I found our table welcoming and intimate. I’m so excited to have a modern Italian restaurant of this caliber in Orange County and can’t wait to go back for the other menus. Keep in mind that this is not tomato and meatball Italian fare, it’s inventive and refined. They definitely know their way around meat, the elk and duck that I ordered was so tender and cooked to perfection.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The stuffed gnocchi are amazing. I had lunch there with my family on Saturday. The atmosphere is playful yet classic, and so close to a wide range of small local shops spanning from gourmet food items to custom furniture.
The lemon cookies after dinner were perfect, light, sweet, and just a touch of tang.
The Italian owner Antonio is charming. We enjoyed hearing about his Michelin starred chef friends in Italy, and we loved talking about his home town, one of our favorites in Italy.
We look forward to returning for a dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I would give this place 3.5/5 stars but I rounded up because they were accommodating with our reservation request.
We went during Friday evening and the place was packed already so make sure you make a reservation in advance. Though they do have bartop for walk ins and also a large outdoor covered and heated patio for those with dogs. Of note, they do serve complimentary amuse bouche in the beginning as well as lemon cookies for dessert.
For starters we ordered the winter salad and arancini. The salad was nice and refreshing and all the ingredients worked well together. We ordered the arancini because everyone raved about it in the reviews but honestly it was nothing special. The zesty sauce it comes with made it better but I wouldn't order it again. The complimentary amuse bouche they serve is something very similar to the arancini anyways.
For mains, we ordered the radiatori and lasagna. We had wanted to order the lobster risotto but they were out of lobster, though it took the server a while to let us know this before we swapped over to the lasagna. The radiatori was delicious and the homemade pasta was al dente. The lasagna fell short and was quite heavy, with a very strong meat flavor which my husband thought was a bit gamey.
For desserts, they do give you complimentary lemon cookies which were nice and light. But we also ordered the pavlova and flourless chocolate cake. The pavlova was definitely a highlight of the meal as it's sweetness profile was nicely balanced with the tartness of the berries. The flourless chocolate cake was almost like chocolate mouse and quite heavy so I wouldn't suggest it unless you're a huge chocolate lover.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
It was our first time at Il Girasole today. Everyone was super friendly, excellent service. The food was incredible. Definitely will be back. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Had the beef filet and the duck for entrees. The filet was missing some seasoning like salt however it was cooked perfectly. The ravioli on top was delicious. The duck was cooked well however the flavors are so overpowering and didn't compliment each other. Would not recommend. Desert was a chef's kiss. Not sure what the name was but it was divine. I would come back for dessert and wine anytime.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
We had the best experience at Il Girasole today. Both their brunch & lunch/dinner have amazing options. The Duck Pappardella was a work of art and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to return again and again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came to Il Girasole (Costa Mesa) for my birthday after my dad heard buzz about the chef’s Michelin-style training. We called ahead for a reservation and I mentioned it was my birthday. During that call, the truffle tasting menu was discussed and we were told the menu was online.
I’ll take responsibility for misreading one detail online (I initially thought the tasting menu was $95 instead of $195). However, what ultimately shocked us was learning (only when the check arrived) that the truffle tasting menu was actually $295 per person, bringing our total to about $650 for two. Price alone is not the issue. I would happily spend far more for an exceptional experience.
Unfortunately, out of the 7–8 courses served, less than half were above par. Several dishes were simply average and not reflective of a premium tasting menu.
Service also didn’t match the price point. It felt inattentive and lacked polish, and overall we didn’t feel well taken care of.
Lastly, despite mentioning it was my birthday when reserving, there was no acknowledgment at all—no candle, no note, nothing.
For a restaurant charging this level of pricing, the food, service, and overall experience should feel special. This did not.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Great place to dine! They treated us to a complimentary appetizer and dessert, and our older gentleman server was truly amazing and friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Il Girasole was brilliant. Friendly service, fantastic wine list, and everything we ate was delicious. We will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...